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Indonesia🇮🇩 | national parksTanjung Puting National ParkCamp Leakey, klotok houseboats, rehabilitated orangutans, Sekonyer River | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Tanjung Puting
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

The big decision at Tanjung Puting is how you float: a private klotok houseboat with a crew, or a cheaper shared or river-and-land combination. It matters because the klotok is the park’s main way in, and a bad booking costs you days and cash. The park sits on the southern coast of Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, reached via Pangkalan Bun. Expect orangutans, proboscis monkeys and black-water rivers, but no real backpacking trails. Compared with Gunung Palung or Bukit Baka Bukit Raya, it is far easier to reach and see wildlife, yet less of a trek. Fixed routes mean boats cluster at feeding times. I woke on deck at dawn to mist, the smell of fried banana, and a mother orangutan crashing through the canopy overhead. Book direct with licensed operators, confirm the itinerary in writing, and avoid rushing a 2-night trip.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Indonesia Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 national park in IndonesiaWhat sets this place apart

Backpackers choose Tanjung Puting for wildlife you can almost guarantee. Wild-born and rehabilitated orangutans appear at feeding platforms at Tanjung Harapan, Pondok Tanggui and Camp Leakey. The park rewards independent planning because you can arrange a boat directly in Pangkalan Bun, then compare quotes from several operators instead of buying a package abroad. Budget travel works well when you share a klotok with other travelers, since crew, meals and the boat are included in one price. You sleep on mattresses on deck under mosquito nets, so there is no gear to carry. Trail variety is limited, but short jungle walks to feeding sites and a night walk give you ground-level contact with the forest. Tours are effectively the norm here: independent entry by road is not realistic, and a permit … read more 👉
Backpackers choose Tanjung Puting for wildlife you can almost guarantee. Wild-born and rehabilitated orangutans appear at feeding platforms at Tanjung Harapan, Pondok Tanggui and Camp Leakey. The park rewards independent planning because you can arrange a boat directly in Pangkalan Bun, then compare quotes from several operators instead of buying a package abroad. Budget travel works well when you share a klotok with other travelers, since crew, meals and the boat are included in one price. You sleep on mattresses on deck under mosquito nets, so there is no gear to carry. Trail variety is limited, but short jungle walks to feeding sites and a night walk give you ground-level contact with the forest. Tours are effectively the norm here: independent entry by road is not realistic, and a permit and a boat are required. For self-guided types, the freedom is in choosing the length, the route and the pace.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Camp Leakey: Founded in 1971 by Dr. Birutė Galdikas, this is the park’s research and rehabilitation hub. Orangutans, including semi-wild ones, come in for feedings. It sits deepest on the standard route, so reaching it takes most of a day by boat.
  2. Tanjung Harapan: The first feeding station on most itineraries, reached by a short walk from the river. Rangers lay out bananas and milk, and orangutans swing in. It is the easiest place to get close views early in a trip.
  3. Pondok Tanggui: A second feeding platform with a quieter feel. It is often visited on the way to or from Camp Leakey, and the walk in shows you plenty of forest.
  4. Sekonyer River: Black water, stained by tannins, reflects the trees like a mirror. Cruising it on a klotok lets you spot proboscis monkeys, macaques, kingfishers and hornbills
… read more 👉
  1. Camp Leakey: Founded in 1971 by Dr. Birutė Galdikas, this is the park’s research and rehabilitation hub. Orangutans, including semi-wild ones, come in for feedings. It sits deepest on the standard route, so reaching it takes most of a day by boat.
  2. Tanjung Harapan: The first feeding station on most itineraries, reached by a short walk from the river. Rangers lay out bananas and milk, and orangutans swing in. It is the easiest place to get close views early in a trip.
  3. Pondok Tanggui: A second feeding platform with a quieter feel. It is often visited on the way to or from Camp Leakey, and the walk in shows you plenty of forest.
  4. Sekonyer River: Black water, stained by tannins, reflects the trees like a mirror. Cruising it on a klotok lets you spot proboscis monkeys, macaques, kingfishers and hornbills from the deck.
  5. Proboscis monkeys: Endemic to Borneo, males have large drooping noses. Look for troops in riverside trees at dawn and dusk, especially near Tanjung Harapan.
  6. Night Walk: Guides lead short walks after dark with flashlights. You may see tree frogs, stick insects, spiders and sometimes slow lorises or owls.
  7. Fireflies on the river: After dinner, trees along parts of the Sekonyer glow with fireflies. Operators often tie up for the night where you can watch from the deck.
I would pick Camp Leakey first, because the longer journey upriver means fewer boats at each stop and the orangutans there feel more relaxed and wild.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Tanjung Puting National Park

2Ns Orangutan Kelotok Tour in Tanjung Puting Kalimantan - Borneo

2Ns Orangutan Kelotok Tour in Tanjung Puting Kalimantan - Borneo

5.0(250) 48h 7m
From €448
per personViator
3ns Private Orangutan and Bornean Primates Kelotok Tour

3ns Private Orangutan and Bornean Primates Kelotok Tour

5.0(211) 96h
From €573
per personViator
Orangutan Tour Tanjung Puting 2Nights

Orangutan Tour Tanjung Puting 2Nights

4.9(112) 72h
From €431
per personViator
Orangutan Safari Kelotok Houseboat 3 Days 2 Nights Private

Orangutan Safari Kelotok Houseboat 3 Days 2 Nights Private

4.9(22) 72h
From €408
per personViator
3 Days Deluxe Cabin Houseboat Orangutan Tanjung Puting

3 Days Deluxe Cabin Houseboat Orangutan Tanjung Puting

4.8(13) 72h
From €726
per personViator
Orangutan Houseboat Kelotok Tanjung Puting 3 Days Share Cost

Orangutan Houseboat Kelotok Tanjung Puting 3 Days Share Cost

4.7(9) 72h
From €664
per personViator
5 Days Truly Orangutan Wildlife Jungle Trail

5 Days Truly Orangutan Wildlife Jungle Trail

5.0(3) 120h
From €726
per personViator
Orangutan Tanjung Puting Honeymoon CoupleTour

Orangutan Tanjung Puting Honeymoon CoupleTour

5.0(2) 72h
From €1,361
per personViator
Orangutan Tanjung Puting Day Trip

Orangutan Tanjung Puting Day Trip

5.0(1) 12h
From €1,180
per personViator
Dayak Lamandau & Orangutan Tanjung Puting Park Tour 6 Days

Dayak Lamandau & Orangutan Tanjung Puting Park Tour 6 Days

5.0(1) 144h
From €907
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Dry Season (June to September): Lowest rain, with days around 24 to 33°C (75 to 91°F). Water levels can drop, which slows boats on the upper river. Crowds and prices peak in July and August.
  • Shoulder Months (April, May, October): Often the best balance of lighter crowds, manageable rain and comfortable boat travel. Orangutans are easy to see because fruiting varies year to year.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Heavy afternoon downpours, high humidity and higher river levels. Temperatures stay near 23 to 32°C (73 to 90°F). Boats are cheaper and quieter, but mosquitoes increase and some wildlife is harder to spot.
  • Daylight: Close to the equator, sunrise is around 6 am and sunset around 6 pm all year, so plan feeding visits in mornings and afternoons.
Book the klotok at least a few weeks ahead for … read more 👉
  • Dry Season (June to September): Lowest rain, with days around 24 to 33°C (75 to 91°F). Water levels can drop, which slows boats on the upper river. Crowds and prices peak in July and August.
  • Shoulder Months (April, May, October): Often the best balance of lighter crowds, manageable rain and comfortable boat travel. Orangutans are easy to see because fruiting varies year to year.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Heavy afternoon downpours, high humidity and higher river levels. Temperatures stay near 23 to 32°C (73 to 90°F). Boats are cheaper and quieter, but mosquitoes increase and some wildlife is harder to spot.
  • Daylight: Close to the equator, sunrise is around 6 am and sunset around 6 pm all year, so plan feeding visits in mornings and afternoons.
Book the klotok at least a few weeks ahead for July and August, but shop for last-minute deals in the wet months.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: good for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

The best place to stay is on a klotok, since sleeping aboard is how most backpackers visit. Inside the park there are no hotels, only basic research camp facilities at Camp Leakey that are rarely used by independent travelers. Before and after your trip, base yourself in Pangkalan Bun or Kumai.
Pangkalan Bun has the airport, banks, ATMs and a handful of guesthouses and mid-range hotels, with simple rooms often around US$10 to 25. Kumai is the port town, only a short ride from where boats leave. It has a few basic guesthouses and homestays, suited to an early start. Most backpackers stay one night … read more 👉
The best place to stay is on a klotok, since sleeping aboard is how most backpackers visit. Inside the park there are no hotels, only basic research camp facilities at Camp Leakey that are rarely used by independent travelers. Before and after your trip, base yourself in Pangkalan Bun or Kumai.
Pangkalan Bun has the airport, banks, ATMs and a handful of guesthouses and mid-range hotels, with simple rooms often around US$10 to 25. Kumai is the port town, only a short ride from where boats leave. It has a few basic guesthouses and homestays, suited to an early start. Most backpackers stay one night in Pangkalan Bun on arrival and another on departure if flights are awkward.
On the boat, expect a mattress on deck, a mosquito net, a basic squat or Western-style toilet, simple meals and a cold-water bucket wash. Bring your own towel, sandals and a power bank, because charging is limited to generator hours. Choose a boat with a cook and an official guide, and confirm bedding and drinking water before you pay.
Best hostels in Indonesia


Best quality hotels in Indonesia

👛 Costs (as of 15 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

A typical visit costs about US$80 to 150 per person per day when you share a klotok, with most of the money going to the boat. Prices vary with group size and season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park permit and feesUS$5 to 15 per dayUsually arranged by the operator, with rates higher for foreigners than for locals.
Klotok boat (crew, meals, guide)US$60 to 120 per person per dayCheaper when shared among 4 or more people. Private boats cost more.
Accommodation in Pangkalan BunUS$10 to 30 per nightBasic guesthouses and mid-range hotels. Few dorms exist.
Transport to KumaiUS$3 to 15Often included in tour packages, otherwise a taxi or car from the airport.
Flights to Pangkalan BunUS$40 to 100 each wayCommon routes are from Jakarta and Semarang.
Food and suppliesUS$5 to 12 per day extraMeals on the
… read more 👉
A typical visit costs about US$80 to 150 per person per day when you share a klotok, with most of the money going to the boat. Prices vary with group size and season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park permit and feesUS$5 to 15 per dayUsually arranged by the operator, with rates higher for foreigners than for locals.
Klotok boat (crew, meals, guide)US$60 to 120 per person per dayCheaper when shared among 4 or more people. Private boats cost more.
Accommodation in Pangkalan BunUS$10 to 30 per nightBasic guesthouses and mid-range hotels. Few dorms exist.
Transport to KumaiUS$3 to 15Often included in tour packages, otherwise a taxi or car from the airport.
Flights to Pangkalan BunUS$40 to 100 each wayCommon routes are from Jakarta and Semarang.
Food and suppliesUS$5 to 12 per day extraMeals on the boat are included. Bring snacks, water and toiletries.
Tips for crewUS$5 to 10 per dayCustomary for the guide, cook and captain, often given together at the end.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsPlan your hike in Tanjung Puting: routes, terrain, and sights

Tanjung Puting is a river park rather than a trail park. Most of your time is spent on a klotok, with short walks on boardwalks and dirt paths through peat swamp, heath and lowland forest. Terrain is flat, humid and sometimes muddy. Difficulty is easy, though heat and heavy air tire first-timers. Wildlife includes orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, gibbons, crocodiles in remote stretches and many birds.
  • Tanjung Harapan walk: Length: roughly 1 km each way. Duration: about 30 to 45 minutes plus feeding time. Difficulty: easy. Terrain: boardwalk and forest path with a rangers’ platform.
  • Pondok
… read more 👉
Tanjung Puting is a river park rather than a trail park. Most of your time is spent on a klotok, with short walks on boardwalks and dirt paths through peat swamp, heath and lowland forest. Terrain is flat, humid and sometimes muddy. Difficulty is easy, though heat and heavy air tire first-timers. Wildlife includes orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, gibbons, crocodiles in remote stretches and many birds.
  • Tanjung Harapan walk: Length: roughly 1 km each way. Duration: about 30 to 45 minutes plus feeding time. Difficulty: easy. Terrain: boardwalk and forest path with a rangers’ platform.
  • Pondok Tanggui walk: Length: around 1 to 2 km each way. Duration: about 1 hour round trip including feeding. Difficulty: easy. Terrain: boardwalk and soft dirt.
  • Camp Leakey walk: Length: about 1 to 2 km. Duration: roughly 1 to 2 hours with feeding. Difficulty: easy to moderate. Terrain: forest path, sometimes muddy after rain.
Getting there: fly to Pangkalan Bun (Iskandar Airport) from Jakarta or Semarang, usually 1 to 2 hours. From the airport or town, operators drive you about 15 to 30 minutes to Kumai, where boats depart. There is no public transport to the park itself, so arrange a boat. Crowds build at feeding times in the dry months, when several klotoks arrive at once. A permit is required and is usually arranged by your operator, which means you pay it on top of the boat. Plan 2 to 3 nights for the full route. Carry insect repellent, a rain jacket and a light long-sleeve shirt.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Tanjung Puting is generally straightforward, with the main hazards being heat, humidity and insects. Drink only sealed or treated water, and carry a rain layer because sudden downpours are common, especially from November to March. Boardwalks get slippery, so wear shoes with grip. Wild orangutans are strong. Stay at least a few meters back, never touch them, and keep food hidden in your bag, as macaques and young orangutans will grab snacks. Follow your guide’s instructions at feeding platforms. Crocodiles live in the river, so do not swim. Mosquitoes are common at dusk, so use repellent and sleep under the net. Carry a basic medical kit, any malaria advice from your doctor, and travel insurance. Choose a licensed boat with life jackets.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Plan 3 days and 2 nights for the standard klotok trip. That gives you time to reach Camp Leakey, see feedings at Tanjung Harapan and Pondok Tanggui, and take a night walk. A 2-day trip is possible but rushed, while 4 days lets you linger upriver.
Yes, though you cannot do it entirely independently, since there is no road into the park. You fly to Pangkalan Bun, then ride about 15 to 30 minutes to Kumai, where klotoks depart. The boat is your transport, so book it through a local operator.
Yes, a park permit is required, and most operators arrange it for you. Foreign visitors typically pay roughly US$5 to 15 per day, though this can change. You also pay separately for the boat, which usually costs US$60 to 120 per person per day when shared.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Indonesian national parks near Tanjung Puting

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Tanjung Puting is worth it for one thing: waking on the river and watching wild orangutans come in for breakfast. Nothing else in Indonesia is quite this easy. The drawback is that the experience depends on your boat, since there is no real independent hiking. Pick your operator carefully, ask about group size, and expect humidity, mosquitoes and a bill that is mostly the boat.

✈️ When did I visit Indonesia?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Indonesia twice (and it was worth it): first in September 2015 and a bit later again in January and February 2016.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Indonesia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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